This is why I describe myself as a utilitarian.
Sure, there are legit weaknesses & criticisms you face, including:<p>- How can you make such cold and absurd calculations, comparing lives to money?<p>- Your models are simplistic and wrong!<p>- There's huge uncertainty in your parameter values!<p>But in cases like this, our choices (or inaction) DO trade lives vs. dollars. If you don't attempt to construct a model, it doesn't mean you aren't making a choice. You are just making it relatively more blind.